Succeeding generations will most likely continue losing the mechanical skills that were more prevalent decades ago. Today’s ease of living in the wealthiest and most technologically advanced country in the world causes the mechanical trades to fall off in practice, except for those who are already employed in the blue-collar trades.
My father, although a civil engineer, guided me toward the life experience of know-how in the material world and not necessarily any college field. During high school, he imparted small bits of his limited wisdom on mechanical knowledge. The first Christmas after I bought my first car (with my paper-route money), Dad’s gift to me was my first Husky ratchet and socket set. He made sure to point out the set included the deep sockets. I’m 70 years old and I still have the entire set, in the original red metal case.
There were other ways my father edged me toward acquiring skills with material products. He advised me to find a friend who was skilled at the trades and to offer him my inexperienced help, in exchange for practice and knowledge. More on-the-side and not necessarily employment. What he did was plant a seed that has grown into skill and knowledge far beyond what he was able to accomplish, using tools applied to material things, i.e., auto mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, roofing.
The satisfaction at being adept at the work of the various trades (with the exception of electricity and welding) led to my being a very satisfying problem-solver around the house. Recently at the gym, I mentioned to a gym employee how Jack LaLanne exercised into old age. The employee asked if Jack LaLanne was my idol. I said I respect Jack LaLanne, but my father is my idol.
